A lot of people believe there are special places on the planet, “energetic hot spots,” where a swirling funnel of subtle energy comes from within the earth up to the surface, and it’s palpable to people within its range. Native Americans gave spiritual significance to these energetic hot spots where they found them, and several were identified in Sedona, Arizona, for example. It was in Sedona where I learned about this natural phenomenon known as a vortex.

Travelling with girlfriends, we endeavored to find at least one of the seven vortexes of Sedona, and to see what all the fuss was about. We made our way to one spot that was supposed to be a vortex but didn’t feel anything. It was anti-climactic. Could it be a bunch of hooey? On the way out of the park we stopped in a Frank Lloyd Wright building, the Church in the Rock. It was sunny and beautiful outside, and in contrast, cool, quiet and still inside. Walking down the aisle toward the altar I was suddenly, briefly, overwhelmed with emotion. It happened in a particular spot, about three-quarters of the way down the aisle from the doorway, a brief sensation like walking through a short space of cool on a hot day. And I had that same feeling—a sweep of emotions briefly and all at once—on the way back toward the door, at that same spot. It was only later that I learned the Church in the Rock is considered by some to be the eighth vortex in Sedona.

When I woke up the next day in Shira 1 Camp, it was a glorious morning. I sat at the table while Honest checked my vital signs and, breathing normally for an accurate reading, I closed my eyes to enjoy feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. Blood oxygen level, pulse and breaths per minute were measured twice daily.

All of a sudden that vortex feeling hit me: I was overwhelmed by gratitude, by the grace and beauty of this place, so thankful that I was there, sensing that the mountain was granting me permission to come here, to be here, for healing, for my soul. It felt like a big hug, as if she patted me gently on the back saying softly, “You come here, child. Everything is going to be fine.” Big tears came freely, rolling down my cheeks, slowly, and I let
them. Honest must be familiar with clients who have emotional moments because he gracefully left me alone with mine.